Australia tightened their grip on the fifth and final Ashes Test as Travis Head’s dominance and Steve Smith’s masterclass powered the hosts to a commanding position on day three at the Sydney Cricket Ground. Head’s swashbuckling 163 and Smith’s composed unbeaten 129 lifted Australia to 518 for 7 by stumps, building a 134-run lead over England and marking a clear turning point in the match.
Travis Head Sets the Tone with Relentless Aggression
Resuming on 91, Head wasted no time asserting control. The destructive opener clattered an early boundary off Ben Stokes and brought up his century in emphatic style—three figures off just 105 balls—reaching the milestone with his 17th four, crunched through the covers from Josh Tongue. He celebrated with a windmilling flourish of the bat, underlining a knock that cemented his reputation as one of the game’s most versatile batsmen.
This was Head’s third century of the series, adding to his match-winning 123 in Perth and 170 at Adelaide. It was also his 12th Test hundred and first in Sydney, a landmark innings that appeared destined to push on to a double century.
After lunch, however, Head’s charge was halted by part-time spinner Jacob Bethell, bowling for the first time in the series. In his second over, Bethell trapped the 32-year-old lbw as Head attempted a sweep, ending a magnificent innings at 163.
Steve Smith’s Calm Control Anchors Australia
If Head provided the fireworks, Smith supplied the steel. Unruffled and precise, the skipper grew in authority as the day progressed, benefiting from England’s focus on his aggressive partner.
“Nice batting wicket out there. Nice to start my innings on the back of a great innings from Travis Head,” Smith told Fox Sports. “When you’re out there with him they forget about you and I was able to get into my work. Worked out well today.”
Smith treated Bethell with contempt, launching him for a towering six on his way to a 37th Test hundred. The milestone carried added significance: it was his 13th Ashes century, moving him past England legend Jack Hobbs, with only Donald Bradman (19) ahead.
Dropped on 12 at leg slip by Zak Crawley, Smith made England pay. He safely negotiated the morning, passed fifty with a drive down the ground, and then, steely-eyed, pushed on. A boundary off Stokes took Australia into the lead for the first time, and Smith kept going to another stylish century, finishing the day unbeaten on 129.
Support Acts and Missed Chances
Australia’s depth was evident through useful contributions around the two centurions. Michael Neser, employed as nightwatchman, made a valuable 24 and later stuck around for 90 balls, foiling England and forcing them to waste their final two reviews. Cameron Green added 37, showing flashes of his ability with a glorious cover drive and a big six, before needlessly spooning Brydon Carse to Ben Duckett in the deep.
Earlier, Usman Khawaja, playing his 88th and final Test after announcing his retirement, fell lbw to Carse for 17. Alex Carey struck a series of textbook strokes before edging Josh Tongue for 16. Beau Webster remained alongside Smith at the close on 42.
England were left to rue missed opportunities. Head enjoyed a major let-off on 121 when Will Jacks dropped a sitter near the ropes, and Smith’s early reprieve proved costly as he settled into his innings.
Match Context: Australia in Control
England’s first-innings 384 was overhauled decisively as Australia surged ahead. With the hosts already 3–1 up in the series and the Ashes retained, England came into the Test seeking a morale-boosting follow-up to their Melbourne victory. Instead, day three belonged to Australia, shaped by Head’s explosive dominance and Smith’s unyielding control.
As stumps were drawn at a packed SCG, the scoreboard told the story. Australia had seized the upper hand, turning pressure into authority through two centuries that may yet define the final chapter of this Ashes series.
